Sacked Wobblies coach Eddie Jones has signed a three-year contract to coach the Queensland Reds from next season.

The Queensland Rugby Union announced on Thursday that Jones would take over the reins when current coach Jeff Miller finished his tenure in June.

“This is a real coup for Queensland rugby,” said QRU chief executive Theo Psaros. He’s a motivated coach, he’s looking for a challenge and sees a golden future here.”

Jones was chosen from a field of 12 applicants for the Queensland coaching job.

Miller, who led the Reds to 10th last year, was told in advance last year that the QRU would not be renewing his contract after the 2006 Super 14.

Currently on holiday in Japan, Jones is believed to have come to terms with the QRU in past two days. He was reportedly targeted by several European clubs as well as the Japanese national team but said he wanted to remain in Australia. He will work on player development and recruitment before he takes over the coaching role from Miller.

“I am thoroughly looking forward to the challenges which lie ahead. There is great potential within this team,” Jones said.

JONES’S COACHING CAREER

- Won the 2001 Super 12 with the Brumbies
- Appointed coach of the Wobblies following the retirement of Rod Macqueen
- Took Australia to the 2003 World Cup final, losing in extra time to England
- Sacked at the end of 2005 after losing nine out of his last 10 Tests, including three to the Boks
- Appointed as Reds coach from 2006 until 2008